Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
+ microenvironment, + cell-to-cell communication, + epithelial-stromal interaction, + mechanical forces, + epithelial morphogenesis, + functional heterogeneity, + organoids
Using an organoid model we have demonstrated that fibroblast contractility and direct contact between fibroblasts and epithelium are crucial for branching of organoids. Our findings enrich the repertoire of mechanisms by which the stromal cells influence epithelial morphogenesis. [doi]
We have developed a method for milk production in cell culture – in mammary gland organoids. This approach allows not only to study processes of lactation and involution in vitro, but also has a strong biotechnology potential for milk production without the need for animal farming. [pubmed] [doi]
We have discovered multiple functions of fibroblasts during mammary morphogenesis, including extracellular matrix remodelling and growth factor production for the epithelium. We have uncovered that these functions are regulated by EGFR signalling and its negative modulator SPRY1. [pubmed] [doi]
